Lionel Messi decision slammed as Cape Verde left unrecognised for World Cup heroics

Lionel Messi was wrongly named Man of the Match in Argentina’s 3-2 win over Cape Verde.

That’s the opinion of talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham and Stuart Pearce who were on commentary duties for the last-32 clash in Miami on Friday night.

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The reigning world champions were given a fright by the World Cup debutants even after Messi had expertly fired Argentina in front.

But they were pushed all the way by Cape Verde who twice pegged back Lionel Scaloni’s side.

Deroy Duarte cancelled out Messi’s opener before Sidny Lopes Cabral scored arguably the best goal of the tournament so far in response to Lautaro Martinez’s strike early into extra time.

Cabral’s superb curling effort from the edge of the box left Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as stunned as the thousands of Argentina fans inside Hard Rock Stadium.

An unfortunate own-goal from Diney Borges nine minutes before the end of extra time put paid to Cape Verde’s valiant effort as the Albiceleste booked their spot in the last 16 where they will take on Egypt.

Messi, who netted his seventh goal of the tournament, was handed the Man of the Match award by FIFA sponsors despite having a less impactful game than previous World Cup matches.

Wrong call

And knowing they could feel the wrath of Messi’s adoring fans, talkSPORT duo Durham and Pearce were critical of the decision to give the award to the Inter Miami star. 

“It’s got to be Sidney Cabral,” a stunned Pearce said live on air. 

“I don’t know how in a stadium and if you want to be serious about football you can pick Lionel Messi when the Cape Verde team have offered themselves at this tournament and done as well as they have. Incredible.” 

Chief football anchor Durham concurred with the England legend’s comments, saying: “Totally agree. Sidney Cabral, scorer of a worldie, goal of a lifetime. He is our King of the Match.”

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Messi was equally full of praise for Cape Verde and their ability to frustrate the world champions.

A tough challenge for the holders

“Today, we put in a huge effort, as always, playing well and playing badly,” Messi said.

“But I think the important thing now is to rest, think about what’s coming next and try to take positives from today’s game. 

“Beyond just qualifying, I think there are positives because we did some good things, and we also need to correct the bad ones, which I think were many today as well.

“We knew it was going to be a very tough match; this team hadn’t lost to Spain and Uruguay for a reason.

“We did the hardest part, which was finding the first goal. We thought that from then on, we would start to find our game and be more relaxed, but it was the complete opposite.”

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He continued: “We lost the ball, we sat back, we couldn’t pressure them well, and they struck with their strengths. We knew it was going to be difficult; this is a knockout tournament, and nobody gives you anything for free.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy at all, and that’s what this World Cup, in particular, is all about. It’s very evenly matched, very complicated, and every game is going to be extremely difficult.”

Messi was among the walking wounded having suffered a knee to his head during the match.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen with swelling on his forehead but is expected to be available for the match against Egypt next weekend.